20 Best Miniseries of All Time (2)

Now that we know what miniseries have paved the way for years to come, we must look at what miniseries created the potential for those we just discussed. Looking to the past for award winning miniseries, the following may be considered the best miniseries to have ever graced any television set.

1

The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)

Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama

Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Charlize Theron, Emily Watson

You may have heard the title before, but may not have decided to sit down and actually watch this award winning miniseries, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. As a recreation of a popular book by Roger Lewis, the embodiment of an actor by an actor through a variety of comedic acts and other life events is sure to keep you riveted to your seat from beginning to end.

2

The Gathering Storm (2002)

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

Starring: Albert Finney, Vanessa Redgrave, Jim Broadbent

When you put superb actors along with a well-written but little-known story about a famous couple, you are left with one of the best miniseries of the 21st century. While not as high rated as many of the other miniseries on this list, it is superb in its own category because of the events being portrayed, and the amazing actors who are portraying them.

3

Band of Brothers (2001)

Genres: Action, Drama, History

Starring: Scott Grimes, Matthew Letich, Damian Lewis

There’s nothing quite like a miniseries that gets into the nitty and gritty of a war, which is exactly why Band of Brothers earned a total of twenty seven wins, including one Golden Globe and the 2001 Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries. As a view Veteran reviewers stated, if you ever wish to see what war is truly and realistically like, then this is the miniseries you need to watch.

4

From the Earth to the Moon (1998)

Genres: Action, Drama, History

Starring: Tom Hanks, Nick Searcy, Lane Smith

When man finally made his way to the moon, the rest of human race could not get enough of the space walker’s adventures. As such, the story of a man’s first steps on the moon has been told time and time again, but none can portray the action and historical moments as the excellent actors found in Tom Hanks, Nick Searcy and Lane Smith.

5

Rasputin, Dark Servant of Destiny (1996)

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

Starring: Alan Rickman, Greta Scacchi, Ian McKellan

With the well-known actors listed above, it seems as though this film could do no wrong in portraying the infamous Rasputin, known for being a bad monk. Well the fact that the character being portrayed is Rasputin himself is quite enough to draw viewership of this miniseries, it would not have been the same without Alan Rickman acting in the leading role.

6

Sinatra (1992)

Genres: Biography, Drama

Starring: Philip Casnoff, Olympia Dukakis, Joe Santos

Television watchers and moviegoers always enjoy an accurate biographical portrayal of some of their favorite stars, which is especially true of the late great Frank Sinatra. Known world-wide for his musical talents and abilities, this film showcases not only what Sinatra could do, but also how well it could be done. Although not many have reviewed the film, those who did review have claimed it’s a must-see for any Sinatra fan.

7

Lonesome Dove (1989)

Genres: Adventure, Drama, Western

Starring, Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover

With such strong cast, it’s no wonder this best miniseries earned its Golden Globe in 1989. Not only that, but most reviewers consider this miniseries to be the most accurate and enjoyable embodiment of the western times. Be prepared to never see a western the same way again once you’ve seen the miniseries to which all other westerns are compared.

8

Poor LIttle Rich Girl: The Barbara Hutton Story (1987)

Genres: Biography, Drama

Starring: Farrah Fawcett, David Ackroyd, Stephane Audran

Based on the true story of the heiress to the Woolworth fortune, the cast and crew of this best miniseries not only earned a Golden Globe among other awards, but shocked its viewers with how one can hold the key to so much wealth and yet still feel so poor. Perhaps unlocking one of life’s deepest questions, this show is worth watching not only for its amazing cast, but also for its unique message.

9

Something About Amelia (1984)

Genres: Drama

Starring: Ted Danson, Glenn Close, Olivia Cole

Some shows handle extremely sensitive topics somewhat insensitively, but Something About Amelia approaches the topic of incest with due diligence and proper care. Due to its powerful topic and realistic viewpoint, viewers of this best miniseries are both entranced by the actors’ capabilities, and shocked by the overall storyline it creates.

10

Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-1975)

Genre: Drama

Starring: Gordon Jackson, David Langton, Jean Marsh

Possibly considered the first of the period dramas, especially one of the first to show both the livelihood of the servants downstairs and the aristocracy upstairs, the writing and casting of this miniseries are worth noting as paving the way for future generations. Winning the Golden Globe in 1975, the show finished strong and is still worth viewing, even today.